Monster Haiku (book) features artwork from “52 ills,” a weekly illustration blog created in 2009 by Rachel Arnold Sager, accompanied by haiku poetry by Will Rutherford. All of the proceeds from the project will benefit the March of Dimes, a national organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.

“It’s been extremely rewarding to work on such a creative project that also gives back to the community,” said Josh Sager, founder of Second Block Studio, who happened to be born a month early. “When Will Rutherford was looking for visual inspiration for his haiku, teaming up with Rachel was a natural fit. Will’s poems are contemporary and easy to identify with. And they can be silly, just like Rachel’s artwork.”

“I’ve always loved writing haiku because there’s a challenge associated with conveying emotion in such a restricted format,” said Rutherford. “Also, getting to work with such a talented artist as Rachel on top of being able to give back to the community has been a pleasure from start to finish.”

Second Block Studio will also hold an event on April 13th, from 6pm to 9pm showcasing the Monster Haiku Project. Wildcard, located at 4209 Butler Street in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, will host an art show featuring Monster Haiku Vol. 1, as well as posters, cards, original paintings and selected prints from the book.

Iron City Sound, presented by Iron City Beer, presents Gene The Werewolf, Bear Cub, and Of An Empire this coming Friday night at the REX Theatre in Pittsburgh’s South Side. All three bands share Pittsburgh roots, although Bear Cub has since relocated to Nashville. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see all three bands play together. Come experience why Pittsburgh’s burgeoning music scene is getting national attention.